Clip fastener



April 25, 1938 H. G. LOMBARD 2,115,312

CLIP FASTENER Filed Dec. 15, 193e .36mjg J wud@ uw? /2 i i JY K/ Yl/ZZBf@ EN Patented Apr. V26,v 1938 AUNITED STATES toAlbert PATENT vOFFICE11. Tinnerman. Cleveland, Gliio Application December 15, 1936, SerialNo. 116,004

12 Claims.

This invention relates to fastening devices and particularly those ofthe type constructed of metal sheet or strip material such as springsteel, sheet metal, cold rolled metal and the like.

The fastening devices of this invention comprise what may be termed clipdevices composed of relatively yieldable arm or jaw elements adapted toengage opposite faces of a thickness of work in applied position. A

Clip devices of this type are made in various forms such as to engage aplurality of layers of work to retain the same rigidly in desiredposition; other forms carry a fastening means designed to receive or bereceived in a cooperating element or part in applied fastening positionin an installation. Still other forms have an element or elements sodesigned as to support or clamp an object or a plurality of objectsrelative to the adjacent work surface.

Heretofore, such clip fastening devices havev been made from strip stockof suitable width deformed into a return bend to provide a substantiallyU-shaped device having relatively yieldable arms adapted to seat inapplied position by a gripping or frictional engagement with oppositefaces of the work. In a number of applications such forms of deviceshave been used somewhat satisfactorily where no great degree ofvibration, strain or jarring takes place; however, in certain instancesas, for example, the frame of an automobile, much' jarring and vibrationis necessarily present, and it has been found that clip devicesdepending entirely on a frictional engagement of the arms for retainingthem in position have a tendency toward working loose and becomingremoved from their effective fastening position.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a fastening meanscomprising a clip composed of relatively yieldable arms or jaws adaptedto engage the opposite faces of a thickness of work in fasteningposition under an extraordinary tension thus minimizing possibility ofthe device becoming loosened from such position.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a clip device whichmay be constructed from a single thickness blank of material of suitablesize and configuration such that relatively yieldable arms may beprovided from a minimum of stock without loss or waste of material.

A still further object is to provide a clip device constructed of asingle thickness blank of material and in which the jaws are formedentirely from such blank and disposed in separate planes.

Another object is to provide a clip fastening means constructed of asingle thickness blank of material, in which the arms formed from suchblank are disposed in separate planes and pronounced locking means areVprovided to positively lock and retain the device in the desiredposition to which it is applied.

Further new and useful objects'and features of the invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereofproceeds, attention being had to the accompanying drawing in which likereference characters designate like parts throughout the same and inwhich:

Fig. 1 represents a blank outline from which the various forms of clipdevices may be constructed.

Fig. 2 shows in front elevation a form of clip fastening meansconstructed fr om the blank of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an end view in perspective of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of an alternate form of clip deviceconstructed from the blank of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows in front elevation the device of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a front view in perspective of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 represents a form of clip fastening means constructed from theform of device shown in Figs. 4 to 6 inclusive.

Fig. 8 shows the device of Fig. 7 applied in fastening position to workand supporting an object such as a line, wire, tube. cable, or the like.

Fig. 9 represents a modification in which the device supports aplurality of objects.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a blank for an alternate form of clipconstruction.

Fig. 11 shows in front elevation the blank of Fig. 10 as deformed forholding a nut element.

Fig. 12 shows an installation of the device of Figfll.

Fig. 13 represents a blank outline for an alternate form of clip device.

Fig. 14 is an installation of a clip device constructed from the blankof Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 shows, in an installation, a form of clip having integral boltengaging elements.

Fig. 16 is a top view in perspective of the device of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 represents an installation of an alternate construction of clipdevice having integral bolt engaging means. v

Fig. 18 is a top view in perspective of the clip device of Fig. 17.

A clip fastening device of the type shown in Figs. 1-3 inclusive ispreferably constructed from a blank outline such as shown in Fig. 1. Theblank outline may comprise a substantially rectangular section, providedfrom either sheet stock or strip stock of suitable width. The

stamping of the said blank I is such that it is severed, slit or cutalong lines within its periphery to provide integral sections, 2, 2, 4,and il as shown in Fig. 1; during the stamping operation' or in .-aseparate, distinct step the said integral sections are deformed intospaced relation as shown in Fig. 2 to provide a plurality of integraljaws or arms, one of which, designated 3, 'extends out of the plane ofthe base which includes arm members 2-2 and which hereafter is referredto as one arm of the device. As shown in Fig. 1, one arm element may bestamped in a substantially V-shape at its free end whereby thecomplementary section 4 thereto, presents a substantially lnctchconfiguration denning prongs or spurs 5, 6. 'I'he end section 4 ispreferably slit along lines 1, I in order that such end may be bent asshown in Figs. 2 and 3 to provide spurs 5, i and dispose them inupwardly extending relation' toward the cooperating arm I. The oppositeend section l may be deformed either upwardly or downwardly with respectto the arm with which it is integral to provide a blow-receiving elementwhich may be struck to advance the device to desired fastening position.As shown in Figs. 2 and 3 the inclined end section 4 serves a dualpurpose in that it carries the prongs or spurs 5, I rigidly in upwardlyextend- ,ing, most effective relation for anchoring into the work, andalso provides a n ared entering end to the device facilitatingapplication thereof to an edge of work, or an edge defined by anaperture in work. In use, this form of device may be applied tofastening position with the open end as the leading end; suitable force,such as hammer blows, is applied to the end section 9 whereby the arms2, 3 move into desired fastening position gripping opposite faces of asupporting structure or layers of work. Since the entering end of thedevice including the inclined section 4 presents a flared mouth to thejaws or arms 2, I, the device is readily seated on being applied, and,as the device is driven home in one direction the prongs or spurs glidepast the adjacent work surface until the device is in desired positionwhe'reupon said spurs dig into and embed themselves in the work undertension exerted by the arms; thus .the device is anchored in desiredposition and reverse movement and possibility .of loosening thereof isminimized and in many instances completely eliminated. 'I'he tensionsupplied by the arms is provided by the speciiic spacing thereof withrespect'to a certain thickness of work, their spacing in normal positionbeing less than the overall thickness of the work, whereby the work isgripped under extraordinary tension of the arms attempting to assumetheir normal spaced relation. Unusual stillness, rigidity and clampingaction of the arms vmay be obtained by corrugating the same. or curvingthem longitudinally with respect to each other such that their combined.gripping action in fastening position is most effective.

The form of device disclosed in Figs. 4-6 inclusive. is substantiallysimilar in operation to that described in connection with Figs. 1-3inclusive but is distinguished therefrom in that the armV I2, whichmaybesaid to be in the base of the device, is provided by bending the sameout of the plane of the cooperating arm I3. In the construction of thisform of clip fastening, the upper imperforate arm I3 is thus providedwith a greater keilfective length in that portions of the baseratherthan the upper arm as in Figs. 1-3 inclusive are utilized for connectingthe arms and disposing them in spaced relation. This greater effectivelength in the imperforate arm is important in that various forms offastening and securing elements may be formed or struck therefrom and sodesigned as to receive or be received in a cooperating fastening elementor object to be secured.

Among fastening or securing elements which may be formed or struck fromthe imperforate arm 3, Figs. 2 and 3and 13, Figs. 5 and 6, arecooperating elements defining a snap stud adapted to seat into acooperating socket, or a socket adapted to receive a cooperating snapstud; internally threaded elements adapted to receive a bolt, orexternally threaded elements adapted to receiveL a nut: auxiliarycooperating elements designed to receive an object such as a line. wire,tube, or cable or the like; and auxiliary clip elements designed toreceive a post, tube or the like.

As shown in Figs. 'I and 8 the imperforate arm I I may be deformed intoan element such as I5 adapted to clamp an object such as, for example, awire W against the adjacent surface of the support S, Fig. 8. Aplurality of such elements II obviously may be provided on the arm I Iwhereby a plurality of objects may be clamped.

Fig. 9 discloses a modified construction whereby the free end of theimperforate arm I3 may be deformed into a return bend adapted to clampand support either one or a plurality of objects such as line L, andwire W.

In Figs. 10-12 inclusive is shown a form of device wherein the free end26 of the arm I2 may be deformed to retain a nut element N; an auxiliaryelement 25 may also be provided by striking a section from the oppositeend portion of arm I3, which auxiliary element may be deformed to engagean opposite side of the nut N as shown in Fig. 11. An aperture 21, Figs.10 and 1l permits insertion of a bolt to be threaded into'the nut N fromthe underside thereof. A clip device assembly of the type shown in Fig.11 may be advantageously employed in an installation such as shown inFig- 12 wherein the work piece S is readily accessible from one sideonly. On application, the device is inserted, free ends forward, suchthat arm Il carrying the nut N- is passed through the slot orvaperture Aand' advanced to desired position by hammer blows applied to end section9. The home position, wherein the prongs orvspurs I, 6 anchor the devicein position, is such that the threaded opening of the nut issubstantially in line with the aperture .A' of the support S. A jig pinor the like may be employed for fully aligning the nut opening and theaperture A, whereupon a plate or member S' to be supported may besecured by a bolt applied to the nut through the aperture 2l in theclip. I

An alternate construction of clip device designed to serve as a nutsupporting means is shown in Figs. 13 and 14 wherein the free end 36 ofarm I3 and the tail section l5 of the blank may be suitably deformed asshown in Fig. 14

to retain a nut element. An `aperture 31 in the clip `permits insertionof avbolt to the underside of nut N for securing a plate or member S'relative to support S In operation and use this form of clip device forretaining a nut element is similar to that described in connection witFigs. 10-12 inclusive. Figs. 15 and 16 show a clip construction whereinintegral bolt engaging means are struck and formed from the imperforatearm thereof. As

shown, the bolt engaging means may comprise u to most effectively engagethe threads of a bolt applied thereto. In operation and use, this typeof fastening means is similar to that described in connection with theforms of nut-carrying clip devices shown in Figs. 10-12 inclusive andFigs. 13 and 14. It is obvious however, that this type'of nut clipdevice has many advantages over such. forms of nut-carrying clipsinvthat the use of a separate nut element is dispensed with, thus, elimlinating the necessity of a distinct operation for assembling the nut andalso a separate opera# tion of stamping and deforming elements forretaining the nut on the clip member. Also the nut clip devices of Figs.15 and 16 may be made comparatively small in size for securinglightweight work and constructed from a minimum amount of stock withoutloss or waste of material.

Figs. 17 and 18 show an alternateconstruction similar in application anduse to that disclosed in Figs. 15 and 16. As shown in the installationrepresented in Fig. 1'7, the bolt engaging means are formed from anirregular shaped aperture 54 which when deformed presents elements 55,56 adapted to receive in threaded engagement the threads of a bolt forsecuring in desired position a plate or member S to be supported.

The various forms of clip devices herein disclosed and described havemany advantages over the prior art structures chief among suchadvantages being the facility with which the devices may be applied tofastening position by reason of the flared entering end.

Another advantage is in the great saving of time and operation inconstruction of the devices in that clip structures of the typedisclosed may be formed by a single stamping and forming die in oneoperation. Clip devices heretofore known required in their constructionin addition to the stamping operation, a separate tool and bendingoperation for providing a U-shape defining the spaced arms of the clip.

A further advantage resides in the unusual holding power of the clips infastening which holding power is accomplished by the use of pronouncedanchoring spurs or prongs simply and effectively provided withoutrequiring the use of added material.

A still further advantage is provided in that clip devices of the typedescribed may be formed from a single thickness of metal strip from aminimum of stock and without loss or waste of material whatsoever.

Various changes and modifications may be made in the arrangement,application and construction of the various elements and parts of theherein disclosed and described forms of devices without departing fromthe spirit of the invention, and it is therefore to be considered thatthe scope of the invention be indicated by the following claims ratherthan the foregoing description.

What is claimed is:

1. In a clip fastening device, a base, an element depending from saidbase from within an outer edge thereof and extending in spaced relationthereto, said element and base being adapted to cooperate in engagingopposite faces of work in fastening position, the free end of the basebeing deformed to provide means for anchoring the device and the saidelement being deformed to engage an object.

means for engaging an object."

2. A clip fastening device including a base, an

`arm struckfrom said base to depend therefrom v at points within theperiphery thereof, said arm being'struck of such conguration that thecomplementary-section thereto of the base, when deformed outof the planethereof, denes a locking means permitting movement of the device .tofastening, position in one direction and preventing 'f movement thereofin an opposite direction, said andhaving arm beingl spaced from."thebase aan cu fastening device. 'including abase member, an arm memberdepending from. said base from Within an outer edge thereof andextending generally parallel thereto, one of said members being providedwith integral anchoring means permitting movement of the device tofastening position in one direction and preventing reverse movementthereof from such fastening position in an opposite direction, the otherof said members being deformed to provide means to engage an object.

4. A clip fastening device including a. base member, van arm member'depending from sail base from within an outer edge thereof andextending generally parallel thereto, one of said members being providedwith integral anchoring means permitting movement of the device tofastening position in one direction and preventing reverse movementthereof from such fastening position in an opposite direction, the otherof said members being deformed to provide means to engage an object, andone of said members being deformed at its free end to provide a flaredentering end to the device.

5. A clip fastening device including a base member, an arm memberdepending from said base from within an outer edge thereof and extendinggenerally parallel thereto, one of said members being provided withintegral anchoring means permitting movement of the device to fasteningposition in one direction and preventing reverse movement thereof fromsuch fastening position in an opposite direction, and one of saidmembers being provided with means adapted to receive hammer blows foradvancing the device to fastening position.

6. A clip fastening device including a base member, an arm memberdepending from said base from within an outer edge thereof and extendinggenerally parallel thereto, one of said members being provided withintegral anchoring means permitting movement of the device to fasteningposition in one direction and preventing reverse movement thereof fromsuch fastening position in an opposite direction, and one of saidmembers being-suitably deformed to provide means to engage an object.

7. A clip fastening device including a base member, an arm memberdepending from said base member from within the periphery thereof andextending generally parallel thereto, said base member includinganchoring means permitting movement of the device to fastening positionin one direction, and preventing reverse movement thereof in an oppositedirection, one of said members being deformed at its free end to providea. flared entering end to the device, the other of said members beingadapted to receive an object.

8. A clip fastening device including a base member, an arm memberdepending from said base member from within the periphery thereof andextending generally parallel thereto, said base member includinganchoring means permitting movement of the device to fastening positionin one direction and preventing reverse movement in an oppositedirection, one of said members being deformed at its free end to providea flared entering end to-tbe device, and means deformed from one ofvsaidy members adapted to receive hammer' blows for advancing the deviceto fastening position( Y 9. A clip `fastening device including yxl. basemembenan arm member depending from said base member from within theperiphery thereof and extending generally ,parallel thereto, said basemember including anchoring means permitting movement of the device tofastening position in one direction and preventing reverse movement inan opposite direction,A one of said members being, deformed at its freeend to provide a flared entering end to the device, means carried by oneof saidmembers adapted toreceive hammer blows kfor advancing the deviceto'fastening position,

and means formed on one of said members adapted to engage an object.

10. A onepiece clip fastening device comprising a substantially flatsection of sheet metal providing a base member, a cooperating memberstruck and formed from said base member to extend in generally paralleland spaced relation thereto, said members being adapted to cooperate inengaging opposite faces of work in fastening position, one of saidmembers including means to retain the'device in 'applied fasteningposition andere y .s

in the and one of said -members being .de formed to provide means forreceivingan obiect to lhold the same relative to the work.

-11. A one-piece cup fastening device compra? ing a substantially flatsection'of sheet metal providingabasemember,acooperatingmember struckand formed fromsaid'base member to ex- 'y tend in generally parallelland spaced relation thereto. said members being adapted to cooperate'in engaging Opposite faces of work in fastening position, one of saidmembers including means to retain the device in applied fasteningposition in the work, saidoooperating member struck and -formed from thebase member being deformed to provide a retaining means for a nut deviceto hold the same on the work in position to'r'eceive a cooperatingthreaded memberv l2. A one-piece clip fastening device comprising asubstantially iiat section of sheet metal pro- .viding a base member, acooperating member struck and formed from said base member to extend ingenerally parallel and spaced relation thereto, said members beingadapted tos cooperate in engaging Opposite faces oi' work in fasteningposition, one of said members including means to retain the device inapplied fastening position in formed from the base member being deformedto the work, said cooperating member struck and provide integralfastener receiving means adapted to receive a cooperating threadedmember.

HERMAN G. LOMBARD.

